Payphone electronic coin validator
US6370242B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 24, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 24, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M17/023
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electronic coin validator for connection to a payphone chassis is described. The validator includes a coin passageway having at least one coin sensor, power circuitry for connection to payphone chassis power lines and connected to the coin sensor, a validator line balance circuit connected to the power circuitry, at least one coin signal line for connection to the payphone chassis, at least one coin value buffer, and a control means. The control means processes signals from the sensor to validate coins, adjusts the count in the coin value buffer when a coin is validated, and readjusts the count when corresponding coin credit signals are generated for transmission. The validator line balance circuit has an output for connection to the payphone chassis, and equalizes the loading on the telephone lines to minimize impedance fluctuations. Consequently, coins may be validated and accepted by the electronic coin validator as coin tones are being generated and transmitted by circuitry of the payphone chassis to a central office.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.